SHREVEPORT, La. — The Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched its 2026 “Year of Outdoors” campaign in Caddo Parish, selecting Shreveport-Bossier and the Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center as the official kickoff location. The statewide initiative celebrates Louisiana’s outdoor culture and encourages residents and visitors to reconnect with the state’s natural landscapes.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said Louisiana’s outdoor spaces are central to its identity and appeal. “In Louisiana, the outdoors aren’t just something you see – they’re something you feel. The Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center in Shreveport is a great place to launch our ‘Year of Outdoors’ campaign because it not only highlights the beauty of our state, but also helps educate visitors about what makes Louisiana’s outdoors so special,” Nungesser said.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier President and CEO Stacy Brown said the campaign is a reminder to appreciate and invest in the region’s outdoor assets. “The Year of Outdoors gives us a reason to pause and celebrate something we sometimes take for granted,” Brown said. “In Shreveport-Bossier, things grow here—community pride, connection, and a sense of belonging. Our outdoor spaces reflect that spirit and invite others to see our region the way we do.”
The newly reopened Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center serves as a centerpiece for the campaign. The 24,000-square-foot facility features interactive exhibits, live animal displays, a birds of prey aviary, five miles of hiking trails, and landscaped outdoor spaces that highlight the natural environment of Caddo Parish.
Throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes, outdoor recreation remains a cornerstone of community life. Opportunities include kayaking on Caddo Lake, camping at God’s Country Resort & Campground, and exploring regional trails such as the Boom or Bust Byway.
As part of the statewide initiative, the Louisiana Office of Tourism is producing limited-edition campaign posters, with local photographer Paul Keith chosen to represent Northwest Louisiana through his work capturing Caddo Lake and regional natural scenes.
The Shreveport-Bossier area’s role in launching the “Year of Outdoors” reflects its growing investment in outdoor experiences, highlighting the importance of nature-based tourism across Northwest Louisiana.